Your bodily fluids may be tested. This can be done with a
lumbar puncture
if some specific neurologic diseases are suspected.

Treatment

Immediate treatment of spinal cord injuries includes bracing the bony spine to keep it from moving and further injuring the spinal cord. Steroids and other medications may be used to lessen damage to nerves and nearby tissue.

Recovery and rehabilitation usually begins in the acute care hospital setting. Depending on the cause and extent of the condition, this involves:

Medications

Surgery

Intensive physical therapy

Counseling

During this time, patients are fitted for mobility aids, including wheelchairs. For most people, the majority of recovery happens within the first year.

Prevention

The following measures are advised to reduce your chance of getting a spinal cord injury:

Drive safely. Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. Wear a seat belt every time you drive. Make sure your children wear seat belts or are in child safety seats. Don't drive if you have been drinking or using drugs.

Be safe with firearms. Lock guns and ammunition in a safe place. Store them separately in locked containers.

Take measures to avoid falls.
Use a stool or stepladder to reach high places. Add handrails along stairways. Place nonslip mats in your bathroom, shower, and under carpets. To keep children safe, use safety gates to block stairs. Install window guards.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.